A project to build a short railway bridge in Oxford has cost nearly £90m more than the London Eye, it has been revealed.
The construction of a bridge over Botley Road took more than three and a half years to finish, with an eye-watering £237.4m price tag.
While the total also covers wider station improvement work and a redesigned road layout, the initial plans were expected to cost £161m.
According to the Bank of England’s inflation calculator, the London Eye cost the equivalent of £150m, and took 14 months to build.
The Millennium Bridge also took 14 months to build, and cost £36m, after adjusting for inflation.
The reopening of Botley Road last weekend reconnected west Oxford with the city centre, after years of closure due to the construction works.
The project began in April 2023 with a deadline of October 2024. But the deadline was missed as builders struggled to navigate a complex system of pipes and cables under the road.
An August 2026 deadline has also passed, which means further upgrades to the station such as a new platform are yet to take place at a later date.
Community campaigner Julian Le Vay estimated in January local businesses have lost about £50m, with more than 120 jobs lost, according to the Oxford Mail.
Tim Walden, Network Rail‘s Wales and western region capital delivery director, said: “We know the closure of Botley Road has had a significant impact on residents, businesses and everyone who relies on this route, and we are sorry for the disruption and frustration it has caused.
“Reopening the road is a major milestone, and I’d like to thank the local community for their patience while this complex programme of work has been carried out.”
Richard Holden, the shadow transport secretary, told The Telegraph: “Oxford has spent three years stuck in a jam for an over-budget bridge that does little for the drivers and passengers who are meant to benefit from it.”
A Network Rail spokesperson said: “The delays and additional costs to this project have been caused by a series of unexpected engineering challenges, including a major water pipe above a Victorian sewer, a hidden Victorian arch beneath the railway, and gas leaks discovered during excavation work. We fully understand people’s frustration and are sorry the road was closed for so long, but these issues had to be addressed safely before the project could be completed.
“Whilst we know the closure has been frustrating, we’re pleased Botley Road is now open again, helping people get around the city more easily and unlocking long-term benefits for Oxford’s residents, businesses and visitors.”
